3. CyberGhost VPN

10 Best VPN Services: Trusted, Safe & Fast (September 2019 Update)

Finding the best VPN to keep you safe online feels impossible. There are hundreds of VPNs out there, and each one claims it’s the best.

At vpnMentor, we’ve so far tested more than 300 VPNs for speed, security, support, and features. We analyzed stacks of data and skipped the biased reviews. Instead, we ran our own tests to bring you a list of the top 10 services.

We even made some calls to Google and PayPal to investigate rumors surrounding some VPNs. We also delisted several shady VPNs: while they hadn’t yet been caught sharing user data, we’re worried that soon, they will.

We found that while some small VPNs lack the marketing budgets of some of the bigger brands, they were able to outperform some of the big boys.

On the other hand, we found that some of the more popular VPNs are actually quite worthless – and even dangerous – when put through rigorous testing.

We can honestly say that after this testing process, we’re certain that our top 10 VPNs will keep you safe, protect your data, and give you lightning-fast streaming speeds.

NordVPN is our #1 VPN recommendation. It provides exceptional all-around value, with great features and performance at a price few can beat.

AES-256 encryption and support for OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols keep your traffic secure and hidden. Since it’s registered in Panama, NordVPN is also far away from Fourteen Eyes surveillance and troubling data retention laws. This allows it to collect zero sensitive user logs – great news for the privacy-conscious.

The massive NordVPN network has over 5,400 servers in 60+ countries, with regular new additions. It offers specialty servers for P2P, double encryption, dedicated IPs, and Onion over VPN for Tor users.

Secure streaming and torrenting are one-click tasks with NordVPN. Thanks to proprietary SmartPlay DNS settings, the NordVPN client automatically provides reliable access and fast speeds when you open Netflix and other streaming services.

The CyberSec suite is another unique NordVPN feature. It provides adblockingand extra malware protection. Advanced obfuscation settings ensure the VPN works in countries with heavy censorship such as China. Plus, you don’t have to worry about VPN leaks as NordVPN offers two different kill switches and custom DNS settings to prevent them.

If you ever need assistance, you can count on the 24/7 live chat customer support
to help you out. What’s more, NordVPN has a huge knowledge base full of useful info on setups and servers.

Don’t Use If:

You want to pay with PayPal.

The bottom line? We thinkNordVPN is the ultimate multi-purpose VPN, but we were disappointed that you can’t pay with PayPal. You can test its intuitive apps and excellent features on six devices with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

We tested dozens of VPNs in multiple locations for speed, and ExpressVPN came out on top.

ExpressVPN has 3,000+ high-speed servers at 160 global locations. It’s also the fastest VPN we tested, making it ideal for streaming and torrenting.

The split tunneling feature allows you to tailor ExpressVPN to your needs by selecting which apps and services are encrypted. This is very useful if you want to have access to both local and foreign content on the same device.

There’s more: ExpressVPN can help you access your favorite content even on platforms that don’t support VPNs. Thanks to the MediaStreamer feature, you can watch freely on your Smart TV, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and gaming consoles.

ExpressVPN supports P2P connections on all servers, so you don’t need a torrenting profile. The app’s Smart Location feature chooses the best server for you.

ExpressVPN offers 256-bit encryption and OpenVPN support across all platforms, providing robust protection. Additionally, you get DNS leak protection and a Network Lock setting – in other words, a kill switch for your connection.

ExpressVPN’s innovative TrustedServer technology guarantees that every ExpressVPN server always loads the exact same secure, up-to-date software, greatly reducing security risks. TrustedServer also allows ExpressVPN servers to operate using only RAM. Because the servers never write to the hard drive, it is impossible for any data to be stored on the server after a reboot—even accidentally. This offers unprecedented levels of security.

ExpressVPN consistently bypasses the Great Firewall of China, so it’s a top pick for regions with heavy censorship, too.

Customer service is also on point, with helpful 24/7 live chat support and detailed setup guides for the many supported platforms.

Don’t Use If:

You are looking for a cheap VPN. ExpressVPN can be twice as expensive as some of the other VPNs on this list.

ExpressVPN offers a winning combination of performance and privacy which is certainly worth the money. You can also take it for a risk-free test drive on three devices, courtesy of the 30-day money-back guarantee. In short, this VPN can easily satisfy even the most demanding of users.

If you appreciate an easy-to-navigate interface with a user-friendly design, CyberGhost might be the perfect VPN for you.

This Romania-based provider comes with all the essentials – solid encryption, zero logging, and an impressive network boasting over 4,600 servers in 60 countries. With leak-proof apps and an extra kill switch for good measure, this VPN is both stable and secure.

CyberGhost boasts one-click setup and use. As well as automatic connection to the fastest server, it has dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting which help you access Netflix US, Hulu, and other popular services.

It’s also easy to navigate the app’s basic and advanced settings. You can set up smart rules and customize your connection features.

While not as fast as NordVPN or ExpressVPN, CyberGhost offers good enough speeds for hassle-free streaming and torrenting. If you do run into issues, you can always get help via live chat.

Don’t Use If:

You need a VPN that works in China. At the moment, CyberGhost is not able to bypass the Great Firewall of China.

We think CyberGhost is a simple VPN that does a great job on all fronts. This makes it another top pick, and earns it a deserved third place in our overall rankings. Try it out yourself on up to 7 devices with the free 24-hour trial and 45-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark is a relatively new VPN service, but it’s already making a name for itself.

As a new provider, Surfshark offers a very rare bonus – unlimited simultaneous connections. If you want to protect your whole family (or use lots of devices yourself), you won’t find a better deal.

Of course, this wouldn’t matter if Surfshark didn’t provide a good service – but it does. Its features include split tunneling, double encryption, kill switch protection, and a security suite called CleanWeb that blocks ads and prevents malware. You’ll also find extra obfuscation settings with the NoBorders mode, while Camouflage Mode prevents even your ISP from seeing that you’re connected to a VPN.

Surfshark’s growing network includes over 800 servers in 50+ countries. This means you’ll always have fast and reliable access to your desired content.

Don’t Use If:

You need to install your VPN on a router – Surfshark doesn’t have a dedicated router app.

Overall, Surfshark is an impressive VPN with premium value and simple, stylish apps. They offer great bargains with high discounts on long-term plans and a one-month refund period.

Dedicated torrenting profile: No, but P2P traffic is allowed on all servers

Works with: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO GO, Amazon Prime Video

Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Routers

Data logging: Strict no-logs policy

PrivateVPN is an affordable service with an excellent reputation. It manages a compact network of 150+ self-owned servers in 59 countries at more than 80 different locations.

This Sweden-based provider is committed to ensuring its users’ privacy and security. Although subject to 14-Eyes jurisdiction, PrivateVPN can’t turn over your data as it doesn’t log any. The simple, easy-to-use apps come with AES-256 encryption and support for multiple protocols, including industry standard OpenVPN.

As well as a kill switch, PrivateVPN offers IPv6 and DNS leak protection. It also has a Stealth mode designed to bypass VPN blocks and DPI firewalls, giving you unlimited access to global content.

While it doesn’t have thousands of servers and flashy features, PrivateVPN remains an excellent choice for accessing your favorite geoblocked content. It allows P2P connections on all servers and offers specialized servers for Netflix and other favorite streaming channels. PrivateVPN’s impressive speeds mean you won’t have to wait for buffering or lagging: choose your profile and start watching!

Don’t Use If:

You want a VPN with a large number of servers.

If you’re hunting for a budget provider with low prices on both short- and long-term plans, PrivateVPN could be what you need. The 30-day money-back guarantee gives you enough time to test this VPN yourself.

Speeds are fast and reliable, so you don’t have to worry about annoying connection drops or stability issues. What’s more, IPVanish recently improved its Netflix servers, making it reliable for streaming.

IPVanish supports P2P connections and SOCKS5 proxies for fast torrent downloads. Although IPVanish is US-based (which would usually subject it to DMCA requests), it operates a legitimate zero-logging policy – so the US jurisdiction shouldn’t be an issue for torrenting fans.

IPVanish also provides extra obfuscation settings and additional IP configuration like reset intervals. These features, along with the 24/7 customer support and 10 simultaneous connections, make it stand out from many other VPN services. We wish the refund period were a little longer, but a 7-day money-back guarantee is still better than nothing.

Don’t Use If:

You are looking for a cheap VPN.

IPVanish isn’t the cheapest provider around, but the price is right for the great value this VPN provides.

For features, you get the essential kill switch and not much else. You won’t find custom DNS settings or extra help for torrenting. Although P2P traffic is allowed, you’d be better off with another VPN on this list if torrenting is a priority for you.

That’s because, despite its excellent overall performance, Hotspot Shield isn’t a no-logs VPN service. Combined with the U.S. jurisdiction, this could make you an easy target for copyright trolls or DMCA requests – especially if you’re a US resident.

Don’t Use If:

You need a VPN for torrenting.

Even though Hotspot Shield has its drawbacks, it remains a popular, powerful, and affordable VPN service. We recommend taking it for a test drive with the 45-day money-back guarantee.

#1 for server network size – If HMA doesn’t have a server there, no one does

Dedicated torrenting profile: No

Works with: Hulu, BBC iPlayer

Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Routers

Data logging: Yes (keeps connection logs for 30 days or more, but not bandwidth logs)

Aside from its cheerful tone and funny theme, HideMyAss! also has a massive server network.

You get high-speed servers in over 190 countries, which is pretty close to 100% global presence. Impressive! Don’t count on unblocking Netflix, though – HideMyAss! has had issues with it for a while. Hulu and BBC iPlayer should work fine, though.

HideMyAss! offers strong security, with OpenVPN support and AES-256 encryption to keep you safe. Unfortunately, it has the same problem as Hotspot Shield – it keeps connection logs.It also operates in the UK, so has to comply with some of the worst data retention laws in Europe and is subject to 14-Eyes jurisdiction. The result? This VPN shouldn’t be your first pick if you want perfect privacy.

On the upside, HideMyAss! is easy to use with great desktop and mobile apps. Support isn’t ideal, though – between the limited live chat (workdays only) and somewhat slow response times, you may wait a while before getting a reply.

Don’t Use If:

You need a VPN to access Netflix catalogs outside your country (such as Netflix US).

The bottom line? If you need a fast VPN with a huge number of server locations and you don’t care about Netflix too much, consider HMA.

You can even get a full refund within 30 days as long as it’s your first HideMyAss! purchase and you haven’t used more than 10 GB of bandwidth.

VyprVPN offers customers two different versions, but if you’re a Windows or Mac user, you’ll want the Premium plan.

In addition to 700+ servers and a zero-logs policy, VyprVPN Premium gives you the feature it’s famous for: its proprietary Chameleon protocol.

An improved version of OpenVPN, Chameleon provides additional protection and extra muscle for bypassing geoblocks. This makes VyprVPN a reliable choice for accessing NetflixUS and other popular streams.

Sadly, Chameleon is currently only available on desktop apps. Still, VyprVPN’s base package offers outstanding privacy and performance on mobile. The software is leak-proof, stylish, and most importantly – easy to use.

VyprVPN is by no means a budget service, but you get great discounts if you opt for a longer plan. VyprVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try the service risk-free.

Don’t Use If:

You want to pay with Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies

You want a VPN with responsive 24/7 customer service

VyprVPN has proven itself as a reliable provider that values user privacy.

We finish our comparison with a provider that sticks to the basics. ZenMate doesn’t stand out as much as other services that made our list, but there’s a very good reason it’s here.

For a modest price, ZenMate gives you OpenVPN encryption, a tight zero-logging policy, and over 290 servers in 30 countries.P2P traffic is allowed, even if there isn’t a separate profile for torrenting, and speeds are fast enough for HD streaming without issues.

There’s also a kill switch, so you won’t leak sensitive data if your connection crashes. This used to happen frequently– but after some improvements, ZenMate is more stable than ever.

If live chat support matters to you, ZenMate VPN will probably disappoint as it only offers a ticket system. Still, you can expect timely and detailed responses from the friendly staff.

We like to see VPN providers getting better and better. ZenMate is one of those providers – with massive improvements to the overall service, this VPN has grown enough to deserve a spot among the best of 2019.

Don’t Use If:

You need a VPN for streaming. Zenmate only really gives you access to Netflix.

See what ZenMate is all about with its free 7-day trial and 30-day money-back guarantee.

Choosing the Best VPN Service: How We Ranked & Compared These VPNs

There are hundreds of VPN services available, and each one claims to be perfect for your needs. Choosing the best VPN can be difficult. Our in-depth recommendations consider the most important criteria, giving you all the information you’ll need to make the right choice.

Security

Two crucial aspects of a top VPN are privacy and security. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a provider that doesn’t offer them on paper – but things can be different in reality.

A VPN with a verified no-logs policy ensures that your digital footprint is secure. No-logs policies mean none of your data is collected, stored, or shared while you’re browsing. It protects you from prying eyes and preserves your privacy, making it one of the leading criteria in our VPN rankings.

Speed

Another must-have ingredient in the recipe for the best VPN is speed. Using a VPN means your traffic is sent through additional servers, affecting your speed. Every VPN will slow you down in some way; the real question is by how much. The fastest VPN services have the smallest impact on your connection quality. They’ll let you browse, torrent, and stream without annoying lag or buffering.

A really fast VPN can also help you help you overcome ISP throttling. You may end up with faster speeds than you started with.

Streaming

Speaking of streaming, VPNs are a popular solution for accessing the full range of content on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and DAZN.Such platforms limit their service depending on your region, but connecting to the right VPN server can open the door to your favorite shows.

Torrenting

VPNs are also useful for torrenting fans – especially in countries where torrents are prohibited. Even if you follow the rules (we recommend you do), torrenting without extra protection can expose you to greedy copyright trolls and hackers.

P2P connections aren’t secure, but you can change that with a good VPN for torrenting. By masking your real IP address and hiding your traffic behind a layer of encryption, you’ll avoid all the threats that come with downloading torrents while enjoying the benefits. In our VPN comparison, we checked out torrenting features like P2P profiles, SOCKS5 proxies, and easy setup with torrent clients.

Censorship

Last but not least, let’s talk censorship. You know you’ve landed on a reliable provider when your VPN works in a country that actively tries to block it. During our research, we looked at special featuresand settings for extra obfuscation. The top VPN services in our overall list have proven themselves in censorship-heavy regions like China, Iran, and the UAE.

Many other factors played a significant part in our final rankings. These include server network size, encryption, security features, ease of use, and of course – price. We spared no expense in exploring every detail for our VPN reviews and tests.

Free vs. Paid VPN: Are Free VPNs Safe?

One could argue that you shouldn’t have to buy your right to online privacy. While we agree with this in theory, we also need to face reality.

VPN providers offer a service in exchange for something. And when that something isn’t money, it’s usually much worse. There’s no such thing as truly free: chances are, if you’re not paying for a product, you are the product.

Sadly, most free VPNs have serious limitations, and pose serious threats to user privacy and security. From slow speeds and bandwidth restrictions to annoying ads and even selling your data, there are plenty of valid reasons to avoid free VPNs.

Take Hola, for example. This free VPN service is essentially a glorified proxy that uses peer-to-peer file sharing to reroute users’ traffic. Not only is your bandwidth shared, but Hola collects and logs almost all the data from your browsing session. Their “privacy policy” even specifies that it will share your data with third parties, affiliates, and partners.

When you look at the extra value paid VPNs offer, you probably won’t want a free service. It’s simple – if you want a provider that will guarantee your privacy and give you the servers and features you need, it’s better to pay a few bucks than end up disappointed with a free VPN.

Keep in mind that you can bring down the overall cost of a paid VPN considerably by taking advantage of discount deals and coupon codes. That way, you can get a premium service for pocket change – a win-win situation!

Many top VPN services also offer free trials so you can test out their service for free. Most offer money-back guarantees as well, so you can have a risk-free test period to make sure you’re happy with the service.

Is a VPN Legal to Use?

Because VPNs can be used to facilitate illegal activities, many believe the software itself is against the law. This isn’t true.

How Do I Use a VPN?

Nowadays, using a VPN is as simple as downloading the software from your provider’s website and installing it. Setup usually takes just a couple of minutes.

Most VPN services are user-friendly, with intuitive interfaces and straightforward instructions. All you need to do is select a secure server from the list – or let the VPN app choose an optimal location if it has a quick-connectfeature.

Can I Use Tor or a Proxy Instead of a VPN?

Tor, proxies, and VPNs are three completely different types of software that sometimes serve the same use. Let’s take a closer look.

Tor (short for The Onion Router) utilizes an anonymizing network that bounces your connection through several volunteer servers. While this process makes you (and your data) much harder to track, it will slow you down. Tor is a very complex topic, so check out our ultimate guide to Tor if you’re curious for more info and tips.

Compared to VPNs, Tor has its drawbacks. While it’s free to use, it provides weaker encryption and slower connections. The best move is to use both Tor and a VPN together and reap all the benefits. A stable VPN removes Tor’s weaknesses, while Tor improves your privacy even further.

Note: We at vpnMentor provide a free proxy tool! Feel free to use it if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to pick and choose.

What’s the Best VPN for My Device/Software/Operating System?

The same VPN service can have several different versions depending on which platform it’s designed for. For example, even if your VPN is flawless on Windows, its mobile app may be broken and unstable on your phone.

In truth, there isn’t a VPN provider that’s universally best for every device, software, or operating system. In order to make the right choice, you’ll need to do some research and find the top-rated VPNs for your needs.

Below, you can find our regularly-updated roundups of all major platforms:

Honesty and transparency – our two core values – make the internet a friendly place. Our reviews are written by users themselves, and are not influenced by VPN companies. When you purchase a VPN, we sometimes earn affiliate commissions that support our work. Here is an explanation of exactly what we do and how to support our work.